Operation Orchard: GoodGym Barnet in Cherry Tree Woods

GoodGym Barnet assembled once again at our usual HQ—the Phoenix Cinema—thankfully free of last week’s MI5-style bag checks and suited security guards (though a few of us might have missed the VIP treatment).

After a soggy day of drizzle and damp forecasts, the skies cleared just in time for our latest community mission. Clearly, even the weather knows not to mess with a GoodGym evening.

We were thrilled to welcome Memory on her very first outing—though judging by her confident use of a rake and her tales of family farming, you’d never have guessed she was new. Beattie and Rachel brought their usual cheerful energy, and Subham joined us on-site at Cherry Tree Woods, slipping in like a stealth volunteer just as we arrived.

Warming up with the usual blend of light jogging (along the glamorous side pavement of the cinema), we set off on our ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ short run to the park.

Waiting for us were the wonderful Friends of Cherry Tree Woods with a mission: ( thank you Andras and Roger) Operation Orchard. Our task was to weed around the orchard trees and give them a nourishing compost boost—because even trees deserve a bit of pampering.

Armed with rakes, shovels, and occasionally just our bare hands, we dug in—literally. There was something deeply satisfying about restoring a bit of order to the wild growth. In just half an hour, we’d circled the trees, cleared the undergrowth, and emptied a whole bag of compost like eco-minded superheroes.

With the trees now happily mulched, there was just enough time for a spontaneous frisbee session in the fading light. Turns out frisbee + running = a surprising aerobic workout and a lot of laughter.

Thanks to everyone who came out—especially Memory , for making such a strong start! Same time next week, minus (we assume) the secret service.